FdA Creative Music Production & Business

What does the course include?

This innovative and creative course is aimed at music producers and musicians who want to develop professional production and musicianship skills, and then go on to learn the business skills needed to create a sustainable career within the music industry. The course has been designed in response to the ever increasing demand for high quality practical and vocational training at a Higher Educational Level, by those wishing to develop their skills and experience in the music industry, both as a creative music maker and as a business entrepreneur. With excellent links to the music industry, it is a programme designed to firstly develop students’ creative and technological skills and ability, and then to focus on how students can channel these skills into their career and business development. This course is collaboration between CM Ltd – a vibrant and innovative music education and training company based in central London - City of Westminster College and University of Westminster. CM has a long standing tradition of training and artist development using up to date industry standard equipment and facilities. The course is administered by City of Westminster College and validated by University of Westminster who issue the award FdA CMPAB. CM’s connection with these two market leading academic institutions allows us to offer what we believe to be a unique experience and access to first class student and faculty facilities over three London sites.

Students will attend classes for approximately 2 days per week, but will need to set aside roughly the same amount of time again to complete weekly tasks and assignments, and practice what they learn in class.

During the 1st year of the course, students develop their skills and ability in creative music production, studio techniques, recording and programming, musicianship and creative composition, and develop an understanding of the music industry and the social and cultural environment in which it operates. During the 2nd year, students turn their attention more firmly toward the music industry, focusing on business planning and development, finance skills and the music industry as a whole, whilst continuing to develop their music production skills. Students will be introduced to the professional contexts of the Music Industry and particularly the imperatives of the small scale business entrepreneur. Students are required to create and pilot their own small business idea and create a viable business plan.

FdA Creative Music Production is a vocational HE course. The benefits of this course and learning environment include:

Trained specialist tutors

Small class sizes

Unlimited studio time​

Industry links

Delivery

This course is delivered entirely at Community Music, Brady Arts Centre in Whitechapel. Enrolment only takes place at our Paddington Green Campus. Due to the nature of the course delivery and validator please ensure you are aware of the collabo​ration arrangements.

What do I need to get on to the course?

This course is designed to welcome people from all current music backgrounds and does not require formal qualifications for entry. Previous practical experience of Music/Music Production is essential. A study support programme is available for those students who need it.

Entry is based on experience and motivation, previous qualifications are not essential.

Candidates are assessed for suitability for the course on the strength of their potential, attitude, and their commitment to pursue their ambition to be a successful music enterprise. Formal qualifications are disregarded if candidates have the relevant experience and demonstrate their focus on their career path in music. Candidates are required to demonstrate a basic competence and familiarity with any one of the following music production softwares:

Logic Pro

Cubase

Ableton

Sonar

Digital Performer

At interview, candidates will show examples of their production and answer a series of questions about their experience, their ambitions and their context within the music industry (30 mins). Candidates will be asked to complete a written task and with other candidates will take part in a group activity (60 mins). Candidates are notified of the outcome of interview within 10 working days.

How is the course assessed?

The Assignments for modules are there to test the knowledge, understanding, and creativity of students, to give feedback and advice, and to help the student assess their own progress in their studies. Methods used in assessment include essays, practicals, observations, presentations, written self-evaluations, portfolios of materials, questionnaires and logbooks. There are no exams.

Students need to gain 40% across all assignments in a given module to pass and progress. Final awards are banded according to an average over modules and is given as Pass (40%-59%), Merit (60%-69%), or Distinction (70%+).

Where does it lead?

The course is primarily designed to provide students with a bank of skills and knowledge necessary to create their own role within the music industry, setting up their own business for example. However, should students wish to gain employment within the existing music industry they will be equally well equipped to do so. Students will be able to enter a wide field of career areas, including commercial music production and music for media to name but a few.

After completing the Foundation degree, students will be able to apply to level 6 of the BA (Hons) Commercial Music course at the University of Westminster should they wish to continue their studies. Following successful completion of the bridging requirements students are guaranteed an interview, places are awarded on interview. Alternatively students who gain the FdA award can apply for any suitable UK university course at level 6.

Accommodation

The College has links with several organisations which specialise in student accommodation. These offer a range of types of accommodation and prices vary depending on location, homestay or independent living, whether meals are required and whether you want a single or shared room. The College does not have its own accommodation. Click here for more information.

Equipment and other costs

If you are a UK student planning to study a full-time or part-time higher education course you may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of your course. If you study full-time you may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan and a grant to assist you with living costs.

These loans do not require repayment until you have finished your course and you are earning more than £21,000 per year, although you can start repaying them sooner if you wish. Click here to find out more.​​

To apply for this course please do so via UCAS, the UCAS reference for this course is WN31.

Please note that to
ensure students get the best experience possible, our Higher Education
courses will run subject to numbers. If we are unable to meet our
minimum threshold, we will aim to direct you to a provider who has a
similar offer. Please also ensure you are familar with our HE Terms and Conditions before you apply.